“Bahrain changed my career”

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Departed coach Nandinho reflects on his breakthrough in the Kingdom

Recently departed Muharraq head coach Fernando Manuel de Jesus Santos, popularly known as ‘Nandinho’, has described his time in Bahrain as the most meaningful chapter of his coaching career. The Portuguese tactician bowed out following a successful spell that produced domestic dominance across three seasons with Al Ahli and Muharraq.

His Bahrain journey began with Al Ahli, where he guided the “Eagles” to the 2023–24 His Majesty the King’s Cup, marking his first trophy in the Kingdom. He then took charge of Saudi side Al Bukiryah during the 2024–25 season before making a mid-season switch to Muharraq in January 2025, a move that immediately transformed the domestic landscape.

In his first season with the “Red Wolves”, he delivered the Nasser bin Hamad Premier League (NPL) title, ending the club’s seven-year wait for the league crown. He followed that with a sensational 2025–26 campaign, retaining the league title and extending Muharraq’s record to 35 league titles. He also won the King’s Cup, ending a six-year drought and taking the club’s record tally to 20 cup triumphs.

Speaking to The Daily Tribune, Nandinho said the turning point in his career was not just the titles themselves, but the sense of validation that came with finally converting years of work across multiple countries into silverware.

“The main difference in my career here is that I won titles. In Portugal, Spain, and Saudi Arabia, I had good spells and strong performances, but I didn’t get trophies over the line. In Bahrain, I finally did, and that made this experience very special,” he said.

Beyond the silverware, the 53-year-old pointed to a deeper personal connection, describing how quickly Bahrain became more than just another coaching stop.

“The people are extremely kind. I was very well received at Al Ahli and again at Muharraq. I felt at home from the beginning, and now Bahrain feels like a second home,” he said.

He also reflected on the football culture in the country, noting both its growing passion and structural gaps that still need long-term investment.

“In Europe, football is lived differently. The passion is stronger in places like Portugal, Spain, and Italy. Here, it is different, but there is still a clear passion for the game,” he said. “To grow further, Bahrain needs stronger youth development, better academies, and improved facilities. That will help raise the level and allow the national game to compete more consistently in Asia.”

Nandinho’s 16-month spell at Muharraq was defined by rapid impact and sustained success. He established himself as the architect of multiple milestones in Bahraini football, culminating in a memorable title double.

“There is no single trophy that stands out. Winning is always special, but winning the league with Muharraq after seven years and the King’s Cup after six, both in the same season, was historic for the club,” he said. “We wrote a golden chapter together.”

He also credited the collective mentality within the squad, including players, staff, and management, for helping the team overcome challenges across both campaigns.

“We built more than a team. We built a family,” he said. “From the start, we knew unity would be essential. Even in difficult moments, including criticism, we stayed focused. The support from the board was especially important. They were always present with strong backing, even when things were not easy.”

Supporters, he added, played a key role in pushing the team through difficult stretches of both seasons.

“The fans were like a 12th player. They pushed us in tough moments and gave us energy when we needed it most.”

Despite his departure, Nandinho left the door open for a future return to Bahrain, a country he says he remains deeply attached to.

“I felt very welcome here from day one. Bahrain is like a second home to me. I don’t know when, but I am sure I will come back one day — whether to coach again or simply to visit friends.”

His exit brings down the curtain on a highly successful chapter at Muharraq, with the club now set to begin the search for a successor after a trophy-laden era under his leadership.